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Foxy's Unforgettable Characters - Part One
In the introduction to this series of blogs about the North Country's "unforgettable characters," I tried to generally define what I'm writing about. I have been making a list of people who, in my lifetime, I will never forget. People who were in some ways "bigger than life," or did things that might have been "over the edge" or "above and beyond the call of duty." And contributors to the intro suggested some great North Country characters from their lifetimes.
My list of "Foxy's Ten Most Unforgettable Characters" will be presented in random order, because there would be no possible way of ranking them from one to ten. They are all people who, in my lifetime, I'd call "quite a character." Remember, too, that this is from my own lifetime, and readers are encouraged to continue to add, suggest, and remark upon my thoughts recorded here.
#1 - JOE BORNSTEIN - Also known as "The Old Soldier" Joe emceed more dinners, banquets, award ceremonies, breakfasts, luncheons, and political dinners than anyone in the history of the North Country. He always had a few funny stories about life in the North Country. Somehow he usually managed to avoid repeating his jokes from one event to the next. But even if you had already heard the story once, the way Joe told it, it was still funny the second time. He was the kind of guy that everyone knew, and he enjoyed sharing his friendship with many. Towards the end he especially enjoyed his lunches with his buddies at Mr. Wu's Chinese restaurant on Margaret Street. He was admired for his honesty, his sense of humor and his friendliness. A dedicated Democrat, he was friends with everyone, regardless of party affiliation. Had he chosen to run, he probably would have been elected mayor. He was selected by the Chamber of Commerce as the first-ever "Irishman of the Year" in 1959, and loved attending those St. Patrick's Day breakfasts each year. Joe passed away in 2004. Mayor Dan Stewart said at the time that Joe "will be remembered as one of the most important men in the city's history." Joe Bornstein - a true North Country character, no question about it!
#2 - MICHAEL FINNEGAN - As I was growing up in Plattsburgh, it seemed that no matter where my parents took me, I would see this little white-haired fellow, bouncing around the festivities, talking with everyone and enjoying the event. As I got older, I found out that his name was Michael Finnegan, and I soon saw that he loved the city of Plattsburgh. If WIRY Radio had a special event, like the "Miles of Dimes," Michael would be there, passing his hat around to collect contributions and helping Gordie Little or Chet Bosworth or Ben Everest. On the Fourth of July, you could count on Mike being decked out in bright red pants and a red, white and blue shirt to celebrate the day. He was funny and he was fun. In 1988 the Chamber of Commerce recognized his community involvement by selecting him as the "Irishman of the Year." I only talked to Mike a few times in my lifetime, but I saw him at hundreds of community events. When I was getting married in 1969, I put an ad in the newspaper, selling my collection of 45rpm records. Mike called me and we quickly agreed on a fair price. Mike became the happy owner of my Ricky Nelsons and Chuck Berrys and Elvis Presleys. I knew they were going to a good home! Micheal Finnegan died several years ago, but he left a lasting impression on many Plattsburgh residents.
#3 - GARY FINNEY - I guess you could say that Gary Finney is the epitome of the "Upstate New Yorker." That's not just the title of a song that Gary wrote, but I think it's the way he has lived his life. He has made so many friends in his lifetime, with his businesses, his coaching and his music. Just by being himself. Now here's a guy who is willing to laugh at himself and entertain a crowd. Even when he was coaching basketball at Ausable Valley Central, he was entertaining to watch. All of sudden you might see that big body catapult off his chair and stomp the sidelines, yelling encouragement at his players or reprimands for the officials. He'd rip off his suitcoat and twirl it around before sending it to a crash landing on the bleachers. All to the delight of the crowd, and, I suspect, as a ploy to rev up his players. Gary is kind and would give you the shirt off his back. In fact, I've seen Gary in public several times with no shirt on -- singing to his audiences and making them laugh. It's one of those scenes that is memorable, but you try to forget! He's been to Nashville to record, but we know his heart is as big as the North Country. He's a true "Upstate New Yorker" and quite a character!
Next blog: a continuation of "Foxy''s Ten Most Unforgettable Characters."
